David and Angela Carr commit $2 million to support Case Western Reserve University’s Adelbert Gym renovation

A $2 million commitment from Brennan Industries, its chairman and CEO, David Carr, and his wife, Angela, will help advance Case Western Reserve University’s transformation of historic Adelbert Gym, which will reopen in spring 2027 as DiSanto Arena. In recognition of the gift, the basketball court inside the renovated facility will be named Brennan Industries Court.

The commitment comes on the heels of a $5.9 million investment in the facility by university trustee Fred DiSanto, his wife Brittan and their son and daughter-in-law, TJ and Lia DiSanto—renaming the gym DiSanto Arena.

The gift supports the university’s vision for the arena as a modernized athletics and community facility that preserves the character of Adelbert Gym while enhancing the experience for students, varsity teams and visitors.

“David and Angela have been wonderful advocates for both the concept and the impact that the renovation of the historic Adelbert Gym will have on our campus community, as well as the broader public,” said Case Western Reserve University president Eric W. Kaler. “We are grateful to the Carrs for their generous support and we look forward to the grand opening of Brennan Industries Court at DiSanto Arena next year.”

Carr said his decision to give was shaped by both his service as a trustee and a long-standing family connection to the university. His grandfather earned a degree from what is now Case Western Reserve, and Carr spent time on campus growing up with friends who attended the university. Today, his company, Cleveland-based Brennan Industries, recruits several CWRU students annually—strengthening the leading global aerospace component manufacturer and supplier of hydraulic fittings and adapters, founded in 1953

“Case Western Reserve is such a great engine for Northeast Ohio,” Carr said. “The more the community can do to support it, the more CWRU will reciprocate—not only to the people and the economic conditions of Northeast Ohio, but also to the prominence of the region as a result of the university’s success.”

For Carr, the renovation of Adelbert Gym, and the opportunity to name the basketball court, aligned with his belief in the educational value of athletics and teamwork.

“Athletics is such an important part of learning how to participate on a team,” he said. “Whether you’re in science or in business, you’re learning how to collaborate; working toward one goal is really important.”

Opened in 1888 and expanded in 1918, Adelbert Gym is among the oldest buildings still in active use on campus. Its renovation will incorporate more than 6,000 square feet of expansions and upgrades to the concourse, court and mezzanine levels, including new locker rooms for men’s and women’s basketball, a new “Spartan Gallery” social space, and an expanded footprint for a new lobby and entry tower. 

Carr highlighted the impact an upgraded facility can have on student recruitment and community engagement. 

“When you think about recruiting top students, they also want to perform in an athletic facility that’s state of the art,” Carr said. “Plus, the intent is to also use the facility for programming over the summer through initiatives such as the National Youth Sports Program—which I think is great. So it’ll get year-round use.”

Carr emphasized the importance of philanthropy in supporting the university’s future and encouraged others to consider giving back through scholarships, programs or modernizing facilities.

“If you’re successful, just the idea of giving back is so important,” he said. “Case Western Reserve is such an important part of our community. It’s going to enhance the lives of so many young people.”